In a dark turn, comic book writer Stan Siegel’s life dives into a neo-Nazi occult nightmare. Amid demonic chaos and high-speed chases, Stan’s hunger for answers unveils hidden identities, setting off a desperate race against time in this thrilling saga. To combat the rising tide of terror, Stan must become the hero from his pages. The Writer #1 has a lot of interesting ideas but lacks a cohesive story.

With a story by and written by Josh Grad, Ben Berkowitz, and, Max Berkowitz, The Writer #1 is a frustrating start of a comic that leaves you feeling like you missed something. The story starts innocently enough, talking about King Solomon and a magical ring lost through time. Flash to today, and we’re introduced to Stan who is teaching a class and dealing with antisemitism. What he doesn’t know is, he has a magical ring and also has powers like the Jewish folklore the Golem. Very little of that is explained as readers go with the flow for a start that feels like it’s missing big chunks of details. The main character is a Golem? The mother is this badass warrior? He eats a piece of paper to gain power and the villain just lets him? It all just sort of happens with little flow and little explanation.

The art is interesting. Ariel Olivetti kicks the comic off with some beautiful art and some Jack Kirby inspired comic art in the background creates an interesting mix of styles. But, overall, it features Olivetti’s usual good and bad. Singular panels and pages look great but there’s also moments here and there where the art feels off and doesn’t quite fit with what’s happening. A choppiness in art that matches a similar narrative.

The Writer #1 has some interesting ideas and with what’s going on in the world, has a lot of potential. But, it’s overall narrative flow feels like a series of ideas and scenes welded together instead of flowing into each other. There’s not enough explained and not enough shock for reactions. As a reader, you’re forced to just go with the flow and hope the second issue clears some things up.

Story: Josh Grad, Ben Berkowitz, Max Berkowitz, Art: Ariel Olivetti
Color: Ariel Olivetti Letterer: Frank Cvetkovic
Story: 6.75 Art: 7.5 Overall: 6.75 Recommendation: Read

Dark Horse provided Graphic Policy with a FREE copy for review

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Story: TFAW – Zeus Comics – Kindle